Hipster Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ถ๏ธ
hipster
[หhษชpstษr ]
Definition
cultural movement
A hipster is typically seen as a person who values alternative culture, creativity, and individualism, often rejecting the norms of mainstream society. They usually have a keen interest in independent music, artisanal foods, and vintage fashion. Hipsters often congregate in urban areas where they can enjoy and promote local arts and culture. The term has evolved to sometimes describe a certain aesthetic or lifestyle that embraces nonconformity and a disdain for what is considered popular or commercial.
Synonyms
alternative, bohemian, nonconformist, trendy.
Examples of usage
- She considers herself a hipster because she loves vintage record shops.
- The new cafรฉ in town attracts a lot of hipsters with its artisan coffee.
- Hipsters often wear thrifted clothes and unique accessories.
- This neighborhood has become a hotspot for hipster culture.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'hipster' originated in the 1940s, initially describing jazz fans and beatniks who sought new cultural experiences.
- In the 2000s, it evolved to include a new wave of young adults who embraced indie music, vintage fashion, and local artisanal goods.
Pop Culture
- The rise of social media in the 2000s helped popularize hipster culture, with platforms showcasing unique lifestyle choices and aesthetics.
- TV shows like 'Girls' and movies such as 'Frances Ha' depicted hipster characters, influencing perceptions of urban life and creativity.
Lifestyle
- Hipsters often prefer vintage and thrift shopping, valuing sustainability and individuality over mass production.
- The culture celebrates authenticity, leading to a boom in independent coffee shops, craft breweries, and artisanal markets.
Fashion
- Characterized by unique clothing, hipsters often blend retro styles with modern trends, favoring items like beanies, flannels, and vintage jeans.
- Accessories like thick-rimmed glasses and handmade jewelry are commonly associated with the hipster aesthetic.
Music
- Hipsters are known for their love of indie music, supporting underground artists and shunning mainstream pop culture.
- Festivals like Coachella and events focused on local music scenes attract many who identify with hipster culture.
Origin of 'hipster'
The term 'hipster' emerged in the 1940s and originally referred to the jazz subculture within the African-American community in New York City. It was used to describe individuals who were well-versed in jazz music and the associated lifestyles. The zeitgeist of hipsters encapsulated a fashionable coolness that appreciated artsy tendencies and sophisticated tastes, often intertwined with a sense of irony. By the 2000s, the meaning of 'hipster' began to shift, becoming associated with a broader cultural movement that embraced artisanal foods, environmental concerns, and indie music. As the term gained mainstream attention, it also became subject to critique, often viewed as a stereotype representing a class of people who claim to be countercultural but still participate in a consumerist lifestyle. Today, the concept of being a hipster is complexโit can denote a passion for local or vintage culture while simultaneously being associated with a certain snobbishness toward mainstream trends.